‘Shout about the strength of our IT’

Nick Butler said the IT sector is strong in the region, adding: “It’s an ever-changing sector and that’s why there’s huge opportunities in it, and it is relatively easy to create a product, and quick to create a product, and not a big expense.”

Connect Yorkshire, a not-for-profit company that helps growth businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber obtain debt or equity funding, was originally set up in 2001 to help technology companies. Mr Butler said: “Because of Yorkshire’s strength in IT, it’s been predominantly IT companies that we’ve helped.”

Over the last decade, Connect Yorkshire has enabled more than 300 high growth companies raise more than £45m in international investment. It recently launched Connect Gazelles, a business support group for firms with a turnover of more than £250,000, run by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, with groups in Leeds and Sheffield.

Mr Butler said: “We are adding numbers fast. We’ve got 90 in Leeds and 45 in Sheffield. And why are they joining? Because they can get the benefit of talking to and hearing from Yorkshire’s most successful entrepreneurs.”

Karen Wilson, sales and marketing director of ITS Sheffield, who is a Connect Gazelles member, said: “I think the small IT companies of Yorkshire have a lot to offer in terms of good business ethics, professional services and amazing knowledge. I often question if we shout loud enough about it though.”